Information for Participants

Transcription

1 International Expert Workshop on the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators and Post-2010 Indicator Development A workshop convened by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) In cooperation with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Hosted by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with funding provided by the European Commission (EC), the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Innovation Centre, Reading, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 6-8 July 2009 Information for Participants Dear participant, Welcome to the International Expert Workshop on the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators and Post-2010 Indicator Development. Enclosed in this document are a series of internet links to assist you in planning your journey to Reading from your arrival point in the UK, and to find your way around the town of Reading itself. Alternatively, the reception desk of your hotel will be an invaluable source of information. We look forward to receiving you in Reading. Kind regards, UNEP-WCMC, CBD & Defra Support for the workshop provided by the following:

2 General information on Reading (and London) Below is a map of Reading showing the location of the Workshop venue, the prebooked hotel accommodation, the main public transport hubs, and the venue for the evening reception. An interactive version is available on Google Maps. Tourist information for Reading: Tourist information for London: Weather forecast for Reading: news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2818 Visas Please make sure that you fulfil the necessary visa requirements for entering the UK. Details are available at If you require an official letter of invitation, please contact tristan.tyrrell@unepwcmc.org. Electricity The electricity supply voltage in the UK is 240 V AC (RMS) at 50 Hz, using a three-rectangular-pronged plug (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/file:g_plug.png). 2

3 Currency & Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) While some businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops, may accept Euros or US Dollars, this is a rare occurrence and should not be relied upon. The Pound Sterling ( or GBP) is approximately 1 = $1.62 or 1.16 (as of 06 June 2009). Exact rates are available via All major credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Participants receiving financial support for the event will receive their DSA in GBP at Registration. Transport Arriving at Heathrow Airport ( the simplest way to travel to Reading is via the RailAir coach service ( A return fare is 22 1, with a journey time of approximately minutes. A taxi between Heathrow Airport and Reading will cost approximately 45 each way and takes 40 minutes. There are regular train services ( between Reading and Stansted Airport ( return fare 51, journey time approximately 2 hours), London City Airport ( return fare 40.90, journey time 1 hour 10 minutes) or St. Pancras International Railway Station ( return fare 38.90, journey time 1 hour), via Paddington Railway Station in London. Information on the London Underground ( Tube ) is available via From other locations within the UK, the national coach ( and train services ( will get you to Reading quickly and easily. Within Reading itself, all venues during the event are within a few hundred metres walk of each other. However, taxis ( are available, if preferred. For those travelling using their own or a hire car, parking within Reading is limited and expensive. However, Park & Ride facilities are available at a reasonable rate ( Hotel accommodation Reservations have been made for all participants, irrespective of financial support offered, in order to ensure that there was availability for the duration of the workshop. 1 Please note, fares and travel times are for indication purposes only. Both are subject to change. 3

4 Hotels reserved are: Hotel Ibis Reading Centre 25a Friar Street Reading RG1 1DP Tel: +44 (0) The Mercure George Hotel King Street Reading RG1 2HE Tel: +44 (0) Each participant will be informed of the reservation in their name separately. Restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues There are a considerable number of restaurants, bars, etc. in and around the centre of Reading. Some suggestions are given by Reading Tourism ( and Reading Restaurants ( Alternatively, the reception desk of your hotel will be able to provide recommendations. Workshop venue The workshop will be held at the: Innovation Centre 5th Floor Northgate House Valpy Street Reading RG1 1AR Tel: +44 (0) Registration and workshop duration The registration desk will be open from 08:30 on Monday, 6 July, at the Innovation Centre. The workshop will begin at 09:30 on Monday, 6 July, and finish at 17:30 on Wednesday, 8 July. Documents Workshop documents will be made available, via the CBD website meetings section from the week of 22 June, at Only a limited a number of hard copies will be available during the meeting so participants are kindly requested to bring their own copies to the meeting. 4

5 Internet Access Wireless internet access is available within the Innovation Centre. Details on how to log on to the system will be available at Registration and throughout the workshop. There is wireless internet access available in both hotels listed above. Details can be found at the respective Reception desks. Displays It is possible to display a limited number of information items (e.g., posters, brief publications, leaflets, etc.) during the event. Please contact tristan.tyrrell@unepwcmc.org if you wish to avail of this opportunity. Reception All participants of the workshop are cordially invited to a social reception on Monday, 6 June. Drinks and canapés will be served between 19:00 and 21:00 at the: Royal County Hotel 4-8 Duke Street Reading RG1 4RY Tel: +44 (0) Contact For all questions regarding the workshop, please contact tristan.tyrrell@unepwcmc.org, telephone